Campsites near West Harrison, New York offer diverse overnight accommodations within a 30-45 minute drive. The region features hilly terrain with elevations ranging from 200-1,000 feet, creating varied camping experiences across multiple county and state parks. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F, while spring and fall camping seasons bring cooler nights in the 40-50°F range.
What to do
Hiking extensive trail networks: Ward Pound Ridge Reservation features over 40 miles of trails through diverse terrain. "This is a great place for camping. The shelters are great for people who want to camp and not have to worry about unplanned weather. The best part of this campsite are the endless trails in the area," notes one visitor.
Swimming in lake beaches: Beaver Pond Campground offers a lifeguard-monitored sandy beach during summer. "The grounds are just steps away from Welch Lake, offering a lifeguard monitored sandy beach which is open during the summer season for swimming, fishing, and small boat craft further out," one camper reports.
Winter activities: Seasonal camping offers year-round options with dedicated winter activities. "Ward Pound Ridge is very well known to the locals as a great place for sled-riding in winter (Pell Hill area) and a place for big group gatherings," shares a frequent visitor.
What campers like
Platform camping: Beaver Pond Campground offers raised platform sites. "The biggest positive about Beaver Pond is how spread out it was. You definitely feel like you have your own space and are not camping on top of your neighbor. Many of the camping options were on platforms which is especially nice if it recently rained," according to one review.
Wildlife sightings: Local parks offer opportunities to observe native animals. "We stayed here on a Thursday night in September prior to taking off backpacking. The campground was clean and quiet. Ranger said that during summer weekends the grounds fill up and can be quite noisy, but mid-week during the off-season it was great," notes a visitor.
Proximity to NYC: Clarence Fahnestock State Park provides an escape close to the city. "When you are camping with a large group of friends and don't all have access to a car, this is the perfect spot. MetroNorth takes you right into Cold Spring, a charming, quaint town with antique shops and beautiful views of the Hudson. From there, it is a short drive to the campgrounds."
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Campgrounds have different site layouts and privacy levels. At Croton Point Park, "Tent site is after the RV site, so use their LX before you get to site if you can. Dumpster and water near sites. The site was very loud (dance music) until after 11pm. Quiet time at 10pm."
Bear activity: Wildlife precautions are essential at some parks. "Welcome to Bear Mountain grumbles the park ranger as he sits in complete darkness! He is in his ranger hut, checking in the late evening arrivals to the campground... He offers us a highlighted map to our site, wishes us a good stay, and gives us the run down on bear activity in the area."
Off-season advantages: Visiting during non-peak times provides a different experience. "Ranger said that during summer weekends the grounds fill up and can be quite noisy, but mid-week during the off-season it was great. Expect to purchase firewood, although scrounging for kindling was possible."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Mountain Lakes Park offers family-friendly amenities. "A gorgeous piece of land that contains lakes, a lookout and Mt. Bailey, the highest point in Westchester County. A dirt road loops through the property with trails off and through it."
Cell service considerations: Most campgrounds maintain reliable connectivity. "Short distance from the NYC, very organized, clean pond, has a playground, showers, bathroom. Your phone will have signal."
Cabin options for beginners: First-time campers can ease into outdoor experiences. "I took my 5 year-old-son and wife, all of us first time campers. This place was great. The site was very nice, all the people friendly and area beautiful."
Tips from RVers
RV hookups and limitations: Sebago Cabin Camp offers limited RV options. "They have rustic cabins. These do not have plumbing or heat. It is a step up from cabin camping. They also have a beach behind it."
Site leveling: Most RV sites in the region require minimal leveling. "We had a loosely defined gravel pad that was level. All sites appeared level. The FHU sites were back-to-back and although there were trees separating the sites, they were close together."
Seasonal availability: Some campgrounds maintain different services throughout the year. "Clean park with a place to swim but only within buoys and when a life guard is present. Only one or two bathrooms in the whole place so be prepared to go for a walk when you have to go."
